Symphonic Encounters
The VSO’s open rehearsal program, Symphonic Encounters, takes students, teachers, and community groups behind the scenes to discover what it takes for the musicians, conductors, and production team of the Vancouver Symphony to prepare for a world class concert.
In addition to the rehearsal, opportunities to Meet a Musician or take an Orpheum Tour may be offered depending on capacity. Ticket holders will be notified of these opportunities in advance of the rehearsal date.
Meet a Musician: During the break, VSO musician will be available to answer any questions students may have about a career in music or the rehearsal process.
Orpheum Tour: A 40-minute tour of the Orpheum Theatre is available as an alternative to sitting in on the second half of the rehearsal. Space is limited, so advance booking is required.
Friday, October 16, 2026 10:00 AM
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
This is a Dress Rehearsal. Dress Rehearsals usually include a run through of the program. However, please note that rehearsal plans do sometimes change at the discretion of the conductor.
A tenacious young artist, Blake Pouliot has established himself as “one of those special talents that comes along once in a lifetime” (Toronto Star). He joins Maestra Gemma New and the VSO to perform Tchaikovsky’s radiant Violin Concerto, one of the most beloved in the repertoire. Elgar’s mysterious Enigma Variations paints 14 musical sketches of close friends and family, plus one riddle that intrigues listeners to this day. Ravel’s Le tombeau de Couperin is a touching memorial to friends lost in the First World War.
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Thursday, November 26, 2026 10:00 AM
Beethoven 1 & 3: Beginnings & Revolution
This is a regular professional rehearsal. Please note that the rehearsal plans are decided by the conductor and might include one or all of the listed pieces.
The Beethoven Symphony Cycle begins with his First Symphony, rooted in the musical worlds of Haydn and Mozart: classical in proportion and overflowing with wit. Next, experience the radical scale and heroic spirit of his Third Symphony, Eroica — a seismic leap from tradition into revolution that heralded Romanticism.
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Friday, March 5, 2027 10:00 AM
Strauss, Schumann & Respighi
This is a Dress Rehearsal. Dress Rehearsals usually include a run through of the program. However, please note that rehearsal plans do sometimes change at the discretion of the conductor.
Have you ever visited the Trevi Fountain at midday? Guest conductor Giordano Bellincampi takes you on an orchestral tour of four Italian landmarks from dawn through sunset in Respighi’s vivid and painterly Fountains of Rome. VSO Principal Horn, Alexander Wide, treats us to Richard Strauss’ heroic and soaring Second Horn Concerto. Schumann’s heartbreaking Fourth Symphony, originally composed as a musical gift to his wife Clara, chronicles life’s struggles to ultimately find love and joy.
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Friday, April 2, 2027 11:00 AM
The Music of Zimmer vs Williams
This is a Dress Rehearsal. Dress Rehearsals usually include a run through of the program. However, please note that rehearsal plans do sometimes change at the discretion of the conductor.
Prepare for an unforgettable evening as two of the greatest film composers of all time go head-to-head. Experience the best of Hans Zimmer and John Williams as the orchestra brings to life the legendary scores that have defined the cinematic landscape for decades. This thrilling concert features music from the most iconic films, pitting the epic soundscapes of Zimmer against the timeless melodies of Williams. Relive unforgettable moments with music from: Star Wars, Harry Potter, E.T., Dune, War Horse, Interstellar, Pirates of the Caribbean, and many more… Feel the power, emotion, and excitement of these world-renowned soundtracks, performed live by the VSO. Whether you’re a fan of Zimmer’s bold, immersive style or Williams’ timeless, iconic themes, this concert offers the ultimate showdown in film music.
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How to Order
There are several ways to register for a Symphonic Encounters Concert:
- Pay in full with a credit card: Click on your preferred date and time above to create an order. Orders placed online may be reassigned to ensure that groups are seated together.
- To pay a deposit, or to pay via cheque. Please fill out our ticket request form. Our team will get back to you to assist further with the payment process and your order.
A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required to secure space at your preferred concert. The full balance is due no later than three weeks in advance of the performance.
Please Note:
Teachers and Support Staff, we kindly request you reach out to education@vancouversymphony.ca for arrangement of your free tickets alongside your students.
Everyone in attendance will be required to purchase a ticket. To arrange complimentary tickets for babies 6 months and under, please contact education@vancouversymphony.ca.
Symphonic Encounter Order Change Policy
You may decrease the number of tickets in your order up to three weeks before the concert. Your booking becomes firm after full payment has been received. Please note that we are unable to process refunds for any decrease in tickets made after the deadline date, including students who are sick or absent on the day of the concert. In some cases, we may be able to issue one-time credits to be used for future concerts. You can contact us for more information.
If you would like to increase the number of tickets in your order, please get in contact with us to make arrangements. Please note that last-minute ticket requests cannot be guaranteed, and we cannot add tickets to your order on the day of the concert.
MAILING ADDRESS:
Education Department, Vancouver Symphony
500–833 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 0G4
Safety Measures: For FAQ’s about Safety Measures, please click here and please see our information about the performance below. For a complete Communicable Disease Prevention Plan contact Education@vancouversymphony.ca
The Orpheum Theatre is a public space. Photos or Videos may be captured and used by the VSO for promotional or educational purposes.
We cannot guarantee that all of the listed repertoire will be rehearsed during the open rehearsal.
All rehearsals are held at the historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. Please use the Smithe Street entrance of the building upon arrival.
Approximately 2.5 hours. There are usually two pieces rehearsed per session, each one for about 1 hour with a 20-minute break in the middle.
All seating is in the balcony of the Orpheum Theatre and is assigned on a FIRST PAID IN FULL – BEST SEATING basis. Sending a deposit will hold the date for you and we will assign your seats upon receiving your complete payment.
Sorry, no cameras, video or tape recorders are permitted in the hall.
All tickets are $12.00 for education & community groups. For all other pricing please contact education@vancouversymphony.ca.
Symphonic Encounters is an open rehearsal series, which means that attendees quietly observe the orchestra preparing for a regular season concert. Our suggested age range for this program is from grade 6 up to adults. Please contact the Education Assistant if you require any further advice on this matter.
Everyone in attendance will be required to purchase a ticket. Babies under 6 months of age can receive a complimentary ticket.
Program notes will be emailed to attendees the week of each rehearsal date. There are no printed programs available on the day of the rehearsal.
Doors open 30 minutes before the listed rehearsal time and we request that everyone be seated inside the auditorium 10 minutes before the rehearsal begins. Late comers will not be seated until an appropriate break in the rehearsal.
Full payment is required no later than 3 weeks before the rehearsal. You have the option of paying in full at the time of your registration or sending a non-refundable deposit to hold your preferred date with the balance to arrive 3 weeks prior to the rehearsal.
If you have a question that is not answered here, please call the Vancouver Symphony’s Education Department at 604.684.9100 or contact us by email at education@vancouversymphony.ca.
